Buddhist Sangha Leaders Instructed to Follow National Ecclesiastical Guidance

Phra Phrommawachiratorn, the abbot of Thewa Rajkunchon Temple and leader of the 13th Sangha Region (covering Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat provinces), presided over a meeting at Sutthawat Temple to define the development plan for the monastic region. The plan covers six key missions: administration, education, propagation, public works, educational support, and public welfare. During the meeting, he instructed provincial leaders to communicate and implement 12 ecclesiastical guidelines from the Supreme Patriarch for Buddhist affairs in 2026. He emphasized the importance of monks adhering strictly to Buddhist disciplinary rules and preserving noble traditions. Phra Phrommawachiratorn highlighted the significance of unity, stating: "The harmony of the monastic community brings prosperity." He stressed that when a group maintains strong unity, it will inevitably progress and flourish, whereas disunity leads only to decline and suffering. The guidelines include key priorities such as: 1. Preserving core Buddhist principles 2. Controlling activities that deviate from Buddhist teachings 3. Reforming appointment criteria for ecclesiastical leaders 4. Establishing oversight mechanisms 5. Enforcing disciplinary rules transparently and fairly 6. Streamlining organizational structures 7. Creating screening mechanisms for important matters 8. Reviewing monastic support systems